She jumped at the words, recognizing the voice even though when she turned to look she barely recognized the man it was attached to. Bella's eyes widened and she took a step or two back. Rodolphus had always been a bit older than her and he was a large broad man. But this...he was as solid as the trees that surrounded them and he had a beard?!?
Blacks weren't startled. They were merely extra interested. She quickly caught her surprise and eased it back under the surface, giving him a cool look. "My hole you say? I have been working on making myself a home that is livable. I have succeeded in at least making my space bearable." She gave him a thin smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm sorry I haven't had time to come see you. Perhaps in the future..." she trailed off and started to take a few steps backwards, wondering if old man Rodolphus was as volatile and prone to blow ups as her Rodolphus. How she enjoyed baiting him, watching him get indignant and then finally giving in and being affectionate or nice or whatever for a short spell. Then she was back at it. She dared say he loved it.
"I can't imagine you have managed to pull together a home that has any semblance to what I have done. I mean I've seen your family home so...."
She was being extra bitchy. It was like she missed him or something. Yeah she had missed him a whole lot. But she sure as hell wasn't going to say that.